The latest chapter in the storied Exeter/Andover rivalry unfolded Saturday on Andover's campus, where nearly 150 years of history set the stage for another memorable day of competition. Big Red and Big Blue battled in front of spirited crowds, showcasing the passion, pride, and competitive spirit that have made E/A Weekend a hallmark of the fall season.

Exeter highlighted the day with a commanding victory on the gridiron, while boys soccer battled to a draw and girls volleyball came up just short in a five-set thriller. Andover earned victories in girls soccer and field hockey to round out the afternoon of competition.

Big Red closed out the day in emphatic fashion, claiming a 56-21 victory in the 145th edition of the Exeter/Andover football game to mark the sixth consecutive year Exeter has topped Andover in the annual clash.
Exeter wasted little time getting on the scoreboard as Fogo Filani and the Big Red offense marched down the field to find the end zone in the opening two minutes of play. It was the start of a spectacular afternoon for Filani, who proved nearly unstoppable running behind the offensive line of Malik Drouin, Lex Chatham, Ethan Ali, Connor O'Brien, and Aaron Naudain. Filani piled up more than 200 rushing yards and a staggering five touchdowns as Big Red raced out to a 35-7 halftime advantage and never looked back.

Sam Larkee was a difference-maker on both sides of the ball, anchoring a terrific defensive effort with a pair of interceptions, including a 105-yard return for a touchdown. Larkee was equally impressive on offense, hauling in more than 100 yards receiving and a touchdown pass from Jackson Failla to help power Exeter to another decisive rivalry victory.

The day's action opened on the soccer pitch, where Exeter and Andover played to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in boys soccer. Big Blue struck first midway through the opening half before Daniel Artandi found the back of the net for Exeter to send the teams into the break deadlocked at one.

Both sides generated opportunities to pull ahead in the second half, including a pair of Exeter corner kicks in the closing minutes, but neither could find the decisive goal. Henry Park, Joshua Mullen, and Alex Newman turned in terrific performances in the field for Big Red, while Jason Chen came up with several key saves in goal to preserve the draw.

Inside Borden Gymnasium, girls volleyball delivered perhaps the most dramatic contest of the day as Exeter and Andover went the distance in a thrilling five-set battle. Big Red took the opening set, 25-21, before Andover responded with a 25-17 victory in the second. Exeter regained the upper hand with a 25-20 third-set win, only to see Big Blue answer once again, taking the fourth set, 25-14, to force a decisive fifth.

Exeter built a 9-7 advantage in the final set, but Andover rattled off six consecutive points to seize control. Big Red continued to battle down the stretch before Andover closed out the match with a narrow 15-13 victory. Tia Stojadinovic and Sophia Monbouqette powered the Exeter offense with strong performances on the attack throughout the match, while Melody Ma was outstanding defensively and in serve receive, helping keep Big Red in contention until the final point.

In girls soccer, Andover capitalized on a pair of corner kicks to establish an early two-goal advantage before adding a third tally late in the contest to secure a 3-0 victory. Lily Pate turned in a strong performance in goal for Exeter, turning away several quality chances from Big Blue to keep her team within striking distance throughout much of the afternoon.

Andover also earned a victory on the field hockey turf, jumping out to an early advantage and maintaining control throughout the contest. Big Red was unable to overcome the early deficit, falling by a 7-0 decision.